Pivot Cradle Bearing Rivet Fixing for Anti-Twist Shell Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pivoting cradle bearings face challenges in manufacturing and stability, particularly in applications with high forces, where the attachment of the inner bearing shell to the pivoting element is not securely maintained without damage.

Innovation Solution

A riveted connection is used to securely attach the inner bearing shell to the pivoting element, allowing for form-fitting and anti-twist functionality, with steel or alloy rivets and a countersunk head design that prevents twisting and allows for easy assembly and disassembly without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inner bearing shell is attached to the pivoting element using conventional methods, then the mounting stability is insufficient under high forces, but using a riveted connection allows permanent stable mounting while enabling easy removal and reassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into removable rivet components that can be independently inserted and secured. The inner bearing shell is divided into segments that can be separately attached to the pivoting element, allowing for simplified assembly and disassembly while maintaining stable mounting under high forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rivet holes are pre-drilled into the inner bearing shell before assembly, and rivets are pre-positioned in recesses of the pivoting element. This preliminary preparation enables quick and easy assembly without complex manufacturing steps, while ensuring reliable permanent mounting stability under high operational forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the bearing shell is designed for secure attachment, then it prevents displacement and twisting, but may cause damage during removal and reassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-twist stabilityVSAvoidremoval and reassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic removable connection. Rivets can be inserted and removed multiple times, allowing the bearing shell to be securely attached during operation (preventing displacement and twisting) while enabling easy removal and reassembly for maintenance or replacement without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Rivets serve as intermediary elements between the inner bearing shell and the pivoting element. These rivets provide the anti-twist stability and prevent displacement during operation, while their removable nature facilitates easy disassembly and reassembly without damaging the bearing shell or pivoting element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional attachment methods are used, then assembly is simple, but the connection is not secure enough for high force applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system uses composite construction combining rivets (made from high-strength materials) with the inner bearing shell and pivoting element. This composite approach provides both simple assembly (by inserting pre-formed rivets) and strong connection strength sufficient for high force applications, achieving both ease of manufacture and connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3983689B1Pivot cradle bearing and method for producing a pivot cradle bearing
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3983689B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3983689B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a pivot cradle bearing (1) comprising a pivoting element (2) which is mounted to pivot in a housing (3), wherein an inner bearing shell (7), on which rolling bodies (4) are rolling, is held on the pivoting element (2). The inner bearing shell (7) is held by rivets (10) in a form-fitting manner on the pivoting element (2) in the circumferential direction of the bearing shell (7).